Rhinitis causes a characteristic swell in the nasal cavities which may promote a stuffy nose, coughs with mucus, and sneezing, among other symptoms. People who experience these symptoms on a regular basis may seek out the causes and treatments of the issue.
What Causes Rhinitis?
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to find out the cause of your rhinitis. Sometimes, it is caused by allergies. That is easy enough to fix if you can find the source of the allergen and remove it from your life. If you are allergic to pet dander, for example, getting rid of pets or grooming away most of the dander could help. Some environmental allergens, such as pollen, are more difficult to avoid completely.
Rhinitis may not be caused by allergens, and the treatment gets more complicated then. Changes in the levels of humidity or the temperature can cause the nasal passages to swell. Stay in a climate-controlled area that promotes better breathing for you.
Medications can sometimes be a culprit too. They may dilate or constrict the blood vessels and cause the nasal blood vessels to swell or become restricted. Is there any alternative medicine for the same ailments but without the same effects? See your doctor and find out.
Of course, a stuffy nose is a common symptom if you have a cold or flu. If those symptoms don't improve within a few weeks, you might suspect a case of a sinus infection. When that sinus infection doesn't get better, you should definitely see a doctor; sinusitis is an unpleasant illness that can become chronic if an infection is left to linger. Also see your doctor if your runny or stuffy nose is accompanied by phlegm that is an unusual color, such as orange or green.
Are Medications a Good Idea?
Acute treatment of rhinitis with medications, such as nasal decongestants, can be okay to use. They are affordable and relieve symptoms quickly, with few short-term ramifications. But if the problem is persistent, nasal decongestants can actually have an adverse effect by tampering with your body's natural reactions.
Instead, try speaking with your doctor to see if there are any other solutions aside from over-the-counter medications. Whether you have a bacteria or viral infection, allergies, or an unusual construction of your nasal passage, a doctor will help you root out the cause of your rhinitis and find a more lasting solution.
Contact a medical office like Northwest Asthma & Allergy Center PS for more information and assistance.
Share7 September 2017
My parents taught me healthy eating habits and I played outside a lot as a kid. Once I was old enough to work, I got a job as a waiter at a restaurant and kept waiting tables throughout high school and college. After college, I got my very first desk job, and my health started declining. I soon realized that even though I had never stepped foot in a gym, I was living a sedentary lifestyle for the first time in my life. I wasn't getting exercise playing outside or running around at work, so I decided to commit to going to the gym. My health began to improve and I now greatly enjoy bodybuilding. I know many other people are in ill health and can't figure out why, so I decided to start a blog to share my health tips and inspire everyone improve their health!